FLAX DRESSING.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXIV, Issue 2896, 30 September 1869, Page 3

FLAX DRESSING.

(to the editor op the independent.)

Sib, — Having seen. in your newspaper that several persons have applied to the Government to have their inventions for flax dressing patented, I beg permission to make a few remarks upon the subject, through the medium of your columns.

I think, sir, that any person who discovers the art of- preparing this article for use is a public benefactor, and deserves the highest praise from the inhabitants of Now Zealand, and is also entitled to some substantial recognition for his valuable services. But at the same time, I think that the Government would act very unwisely by granting a patent to any person at present, as flax dressing is entirely a new 'enterprise.' Hence, there are fresh discoveries made every few months; and as each person' to whom a' patent might be granted would require a large sum of money for the uaeof his machine; those who might desire to enter into this branch of industry would have continually to pay high premiums, if they were, as no doubt they would be, anxious to prepare a first class article. I have heard, that one man who applied for a patent wants £500 down and £50 annually for the use of the machine he has invented ; and I hava no doubt that before the end of next year some one else will find out some improvement, so that another £500 would be wanted.

I think, sir, that if a patent is granted at all it should be a conditional one, bo that the patentee could not charge more than a fair sum to be fixed by the Government, payable annually. But, sir, would it not be a better way for the 0-overntneut to offer a premium of a £1000 for the discovery of the best known means for dressing flax.

The offer of a similar sum. might be made yearly. Men would thereby be induced to make experiments, and the thing would soon be brought to. perfection.

Hoping that. you or some other person more able than I am will take the matter up and thus prevent a. barrier being tnro'wn in the way of this becoming the staple export commodity of the colony. — I am, &0., Pbo Bono Pujblico.

Lower Hutt, September 27, 1869.

Ploughing- Mai'ch at Wanganui. — A ploughing match took place at Aramaho near Wanganui on the 22nd inst., and was well contested. The horse teams were remarkably pood. The following is thejlisfc of the successful competitors • — For best ploughmen — The first prize (mens) was a 'silver modal, sot of swingle-trees, arid £A— won by John Patterson ; 2nd, £1 10s— John Ferguson ; 3rd ,£l— William Napier; 4th, 10s — Eobert Brown ; sth, sot of backbands — Eobert Christie. For best ploughmen who have learnt, ploughing in the colony — Ist, silver medal and £2— William M'William ; 2nd, £1 10— Richard Bowliay ;, 3rd, £1— Q-eorge Mitchell. Prizes for boys tinder 18 — Ist, £1 and a set of swingle-trefes —George Walker ; 2nd, 10s— Robert Walker. Fdr'best 'finish— prize 10a and a pair of backhands — William Napier. For best outs and ins — prize lOs 1 — John Old. For best team til liorses — Ist, £I— John Patterson ; 2nd, 10s — George Walker ; 3frd; ss— John Old. For best harness — prize 10* —John Furguson. The ploughs which obtained the best prizes were manufactured in Wanganui. The judges on the bc'casion were for ploughs: Messrs Maxwell, Mathe&oh, and George Patterioixl For horses : ' Captain Cameron", Messrs Bennett, and Burr. -....• -.-r •-...•